Studying a Funerary Roman Vessel Glass Collection from Patras, Greece

An Interdisciplinary Characterisation and Use Study

Bibliographic Data

ID19553754
AuthorsEleni Palamara (0000-0002-0351-4416, University of Peloponnese, corresponding author), N Zacharias (0000-0002-6759-6721, University of Peloponnese), Lefkothea Papakosta (Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports), Δ Πάλλες (0000-0002-4820-2547, National Hellenic Research Foundation), D Palles, E I Kamitsos (National Hellenic Research Foundation), Josefina Pérez-Arantegui (0000-0002-4681-3934, Universidad de Zaragoza)
Year2016
Volume2
Issue2
Pages203-216
Publication date2016-12-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSTAR Science & Technology of Archaeological Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2054-8923 • E-ISSN: 2054-8923
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/20548923.2016.1239868
OpenAlexW2533224536
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited22

In a rescue excavation of a Roman funerary complex located at the city of Patras, Achaia, Greece, an assemblage of high quality glass vessels of the 2nd-3rd c. AD was recovered. Here we present the results from the physicochemical examination of the collection using a combination of non-destructive techniques, namely optical microscopy, portable X-Ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques. The analyses resulted in the chemical characterization of the glass samples and the identification of a rare example of soda plant-ash glass. Moreover, madder lake was identified as the original content of several glass vessels. Finally, the effect of the original content on the corrosion processes was investigated, along with issues of biocorrosion. Statement of significance The interdisciplinary study of an assemblage of 2nd-3rd c. AD Roman funerary vessel glasses from Patras, Greece is reported. The archaeological and archaeometric study of Roman glass in south and central Greece has so far been limited. The present work is the first attempt to examine the complete chaîne opératoire of Roman funerary glass vessels, using a multi-technique approach. More specifically, the basic aims of the study were (1) the chemical characterization of the glass and the determination of the raw materials used; (2) the determination of the original content of the vessels; and (3) the examination of the corrosion effects on the glass

Archaeology · Art · Corrosion · Excavation · Geography · Metallurgy · Mineralogy · Building materials and conservation · Conservation Techniques and Studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · Materials Science · Geology